TV One Premieres Second Season of THE RICKEY SMILEY SHOW Tonight

TV One will premiere the second season of the network's original hit sitcom The Rickey Smiley Show tonight, July 26 at 9:00 p.m. ET. Loosely inspired by the real-life experiences and antics of lauded comedian, TV, and radio personality Rickey Smiley, the series pulls TV One viewers even deeper into "Rickey's World" this season, introducing two additional alter egos to his already beloved, wacky troupe of trademark personalities.

"We are thrilled to debut The Rickey Smiley Show season two this July," commented Maureen Guthman, SVP of Program Strategy and Acquisitions for TV One. "The series' exceptional first season run anchored by Rickey's relatable and hysterical characters puts a twist on our TV One motto by demonstrating that the network is a place 'where black comedy unfolds.' We are eager to bring an even-stronger season two to our viewers and build upon the network's successful Friday night Retro Comedy programming block."

Season one introduced audiences to leading man Rickey, a popular, Atlanta-based national radio personality juggling career and life as a single father of three. Fatherhood and radio station duties were often complicated by appearances from hilarious alter egos made popular by the star in his radio and TV routines, including church lady Sister Bernice Jenkins, gospel crooner Joe Willie, and Rickey's Southern Baptist church leader, Pastor Watkins. Joining the chaos in Season Two are Smiley personas Lil' Darryl, a boy in coke-bottle glasses who's been in the fourth grade for nearly 12 years and often shows up at Rickey's door unannounced, and Clarence the Janitor, a Birmingham-area school custodian who wears an elevated orthopedic boot to combat his uneven leg condition and claims to be a "professional soft shoe dancer."

Rejoining Smiley for the 13-episode second season is a stellar ensemble cast including: Ray J as Kenny, Rickey's morning show producer and protégé; J. Anthony Brown as Rickey's radio station manager Maurice, aka "Mo-Sweets" from his earlier rap career; veteran actress Roz Ryan as Aunt Sylvia; Jay Lewis (Lil JJ) as Rickey's 18-year-old son Brandon; Ajiona Alexus as Rickey's 16-year-old daughter De'Anna; Gabriel Burgess as his youngest son Aaron; Noree Victoria as his business manager Simone Renee Jackson; and Demetria McKinney as Rickey's uber-career oriented ex-wife, Monica.

Additionally, Season Two will feature a jam-packed lineup of celebrity guest stars and special appearances including: Kenya Moore, Cynthia Bailey, Syleena Johnson, Angie Stone, Tameka "Tiny" Cottle, Antonia "Toya" Carter, Porsche Stewart, Creflo Dollar, Benji Brown, Dottie Peoples, Ann Nesby, Carl Payne, Corey Holcomb, Charlie Murphy, David Banner, Pierre, Joe Claire, Lil Scrappy, Momma Dee, and Doug E Fresh among others.

The Rickey Smiley Show is produced for TV One by BobbCat Films. Executive producers include veteran television and film producer Roger Bobb (Tyler Perry's House of Payne and Meet the Browns) and series star Rickey Smiley. Executive in charge of production for TV One is Tia Smith.

About Rickey Smiley:

With his unique blend of comedy and originality, Rickey Smiley is firmly established as a standout in his field. For over 20 years, funny man Rickey Smiley is known for making millions laugh. As a much loved comedian, television host, and top-rated nationally Syndicated radio personality, Smiley has earned a reputation for delivering on and off stage. With the distinct ability to take everyday observations and turn them into comedic gold, Smiley is a standout in the entertainment world. Rickey Smiley is one of the few "clean" comics amongst the upper echelon of contemporary great comedians. His audiences are treated to an array of his original characters such as, "Mrs. Bernice Jenkins," "Lil' Darryl," "Joe Willie," and "Beauford."

Rickey Smiley can be seen on various platforms, including his radio show, The Rickey Smiley Morning Show, his television shows, The Rickey Smiley Show and Dish Nation, and throughout the US as he performs his stand-up comedy shows. Over the years, he has made numerous television and movie appearances. He has released eight comedy CDs complied of hilarious prank phone calls, church announcements and parodies (see credits below). In addition to his comedy CD's Smiley released his live concert special, "Open Casket Sharp," that premiered on BET in the Fall of 2011 and debuted #1 on iTunes.

About TV One:

Launched in January 2004, TV One (www.tvone.tv) serves 57 million households, offering a broad range of real-life and entertainment-focused original programming, classic series, movies, and music designed to entertain, inform and inspire a diverse audience of adult Black viewers. In December 2008, the company launched TV One High Def, which now serves 14 million households. TV One is owned by Radio One [NASDAQ: ROIA and ROIAK; www.radio-one.com], the largest radio company that primarily targets Black and urban listeners; and Comcast Corporation [NASDAQ: CMCSA, CMCSK; www.comcast.com], one of the nation's leading providers of entertainment, information and communications products and services.

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